Gnothi Se Auton
-Act I-
The Trine Prophecy
A Final Fantasy IV Story
by SpacemanSpiff
Chapter XII
In Aevum Veritas
Scene 3 – Mysidia, Tower of Prayers
Cecil observed the ancient markings on the sandstone walls of the tower stairwell, many of them glowing in soft hues, while others were simple etchings filled with shadows. One in particular was carved directly into the first step of the spiral staircase, but the language was not one with which he was familiar, nor were any of the runes for that matter. He cursed himself for not being more well versed in magical tongues, but he still was drawn to the beauty of their intricacy. These were not quick and simple scrawls of random vandals, but were painstakingly worked into the stone with reverent precision.
The sound of the heavy wooden door being forced open behind him drew his attention away as the man he had been longing to speak to entered the tower. He seemed almost in a panic, but Cecil did not sense it was out of fear. The look on the Elder's face seemed to suggest that whatever he was after, it was urgent, and when his eyes lit up upon seeing Cecil, he knew that he had found what he was looking for.
"Cecil, I am glad you are here, you must come with me," the Elder was nearly out of breath, as though he had been running or just cast a heavily draining spell.
"Wait!" Cecil demanded, a bit confused and frustrated that he was not allowed to finally converse with the Elder about his mother's revelations. "I have been waiting to speak to you for some time, Elder. There are some things that we must discuss."
"Cecil, please," the Elder once again pleaded.
"That is not my name!" Cecil said with resounding authority, like a verbal shockwave coursing through the room. The Elder stopped his frantic behavior and searched the Paladin King's eyes for what was behind the outburst, and what he saw was apparently important enough to shut the door, ensuring the conversation they were about to have would be private. "I am sorry, Elder, but I have learned things about myself that need to be sorted out, and I cannot do it alone."
"I see," the Elder responded quietly. "Forgive me for being so presumptuous."
"It is fine," said Cecil, softer than before as he accepted the apology. "What has kept you away from the village for so long?"
"That can wait," the Elder replied. "Please tell me what new information you have learned from your mother. What name should I now call you?"
"SeSol," Cecil responded proudly. "SeSolYa. It means Sacred Son of Light."
"It seems fitting. This should only help to confirm your role in the Mysidian Legend," the Elder responded, though he could see something else lurking in the man's eyes. "But it seems it has only caused more confusion. The answers you have been seeking are only brooding more questions, yes?"
"You said before that it was my legacy, my responsibility to protect this world from evil," Cecil replied with a tinge of sadness. "It appears we have all been misguided."
"How so?" the Elder asked, confused and concerned.
"I was never intended to be the savior of the planet," Cecil answered. "It was my brother, the one you know as Golbez. He is the one spoken of in the Mysidian Legend."
"What?!" the Elder was shocked, having been so sure for so long that Cecil was the guiding light of the old legends.
"He was trained by my father to defend this planet from the likes of Zemus," Cecil continued. "But Zemus was able to corrupt his mind and turn him against us. I was given the power of light only out of desperation to stop him. I was supposed to live a normal life, free of such burdens. And now you tell me that another threat looms, and that it is my responsibility once again to stop it. How can I, knowing what I know now? Or more importantly, why should I?"
The Elder was pensive, eyeing Cecil carefully as he thought about his next words. He could see a great struggle within the Paladin, nearly as great as when he first came to him as a dark knight. This information was also difficult for the Elder to swallow, as it went against the very beliefs for which he prayed every day. The Elder was far from a stubborn zealot, however, and he felt no other course to take than to take this in stride.
"SeSol," the Elder spoke the Paladin's true name with humble reverence. "Despite what this new information may cause you to feel, it does not change the fact that you are the sacred light. You chose this life. You could have let yourself perish in defeat on many occasions, but you fought for what was right and just."
"And I have earned the right to choose a new life for myself," Cecil replied. "If there is indeed a new threat to this world, it will be up to the world to defend against it. I have a kingdom, a home, and a family to think about now, and I will not leave them behind without any assurance of my safe return."
"You are right, SeSol," the Elder confessed. "Your path in life is ultimately your choice, and you have every right to follow one with more stability. But this will affect everyone, and eventually this choice will be much more difficult to make."
"I believe I can accept that," Cecil replied confidently. "When that day comes I will have clarity in knowing I'm making the right decision."
"You have changed, SeSol," the Elder noticed. "Do not take that as a criticism, for I believe you are beginning to understand yourself better than you ever have. Allow me to show you something."
The Elder gently guided Cecil over to the staircase, pointing to the inscription on the first step.
"Do you know what this says?"
"Sadly, no," Cecil confessed. "I've been observing these markings. I've felt drawn to them. This one in particular. What does it mean?"
"It is written in an old Mysidian language, long dead now," the Elder replied. "Many centuries ago, when Mysidia was ruled by powerful mages known as the Magi, they honored themselves by etching words of wisdom into the tower walls. This ritual ended with the last Magi 500 years ago, and he carved the words you see on this first step. It is a guiding phrase for any that wish to enter the tower. It reads: Gnothi Se Auton. It means Know Thy Self."
"Wise words, indeed," Cecil whispered.
"It was written by a man called Erasmus the Wise, who believed he knew everything about the world around him," the Elder continued. "But above all, he professed that one must know themselves before they can truly be a complete being."
"Then you see why I cannot possibly enter another war," said Cecil. "If I do not know myself fully, then I cannot be prepared to face another enemy."
"I agree," the Elder replied sadly. "I only hope that you can find what you need before it is too late."
"Know that even in finding peace with who I am, I still may choose not to engage the looming threat."
"I understand," the Elder responded, his eyes downcast, tracing the letters inscribed upon the stair. "I read this phrase every time that I enter the tower, as a reassurance that I am following the path that was intended for me. When the Lunarian moon disappeared, my people began to panic, for it was the idol that we worshipped throughout our lives. I had to search my own soul for the answers to give to the Mysidians. I relived my past journeys, my own trials that led me to where I am today."
Cecil listened reverently as the Elder gave up pieces of himself that never been shared, and it made him feel that much closer to the old soul. Despite his current crisis of faith, Cecil knew that the Elder was genuine, that he wouldn't push this issue if he didn't believe it with every fiber of his being. But then that was the problem. Cecil didn't believe. The Elder continued as Cecil looked on, torchlight flickering across their faces.
"You refer to me as Elder, and have known me by no other name. When one becomes an Elder, we forsake our names out of humility and as recognition of the hubris of the Magi. Before I became the Elder, I was known as Delphi the Oracle. My ability to see and comprehend visions of guidance made me a natural leader for my people. I knew this about myself, and even in the face of a fragile faith after the moon's departure, I continued to guide my people. I hope you will continue to guide the world with your light."
"I appreciate you telling me this, Elder," Cecil said with genuine care. "I do not want you to think I would forsake the world for selfish reasons. I will always welcome your guidance, and if there is one thing I know for certain about myself, it is that I will stop at nothing to protect the people that I love and care about. That includes you and the people of Mysidia."
"Thank you, SeSol," the Elder responded kindly. "I suppose that is as much as I can request for the time being. We will talk more later, but now there is someone else who requires your attention."
"Has my mother awakened?" Cecil's eyes were wide with anticipation.
"No, I'm sorry," said the Elder, watching Cecil's posture deflate at the news. "Someone has come to see you."
"Who?"
"Someone who needs you now, more than ever."